Google putting “finishing touches” on its own iOS maps app

The app will reportedly have turn-by-turn directions, unlike Maps for iOS 5.

Google has reportedly begun testing its own mapping application for iOS among outside users, further supporting rumors the company plans to submit it to the App Store in the near future. The Wall Street Journal cites unnamed sources that claim Google is in the process of putting "finishing touches" on the app before submitting it for approval through Apple. Not only will the app use Google's own data—like the default Maps app under iOS 5 and earlier—it's also said to include turn-by-turn navigation. That feature was not previously available under Apple and Google's partnership.

Google stated in September—just after the release of iOS 6, with Apple's own version of Maps—that it had no plans to release its own mapping app "yet." Soon thereafter, sources claimed a Google Maps app was in the works and would hit the App Store before the end of 2012. Sources later stated Google was "not optimistic" that Apple would approve such an app, but it appears the company is forging ahead anyway.

Neither Google nor Apple confirmed the WSJ's report on Thursday, though Google did acknowledge its goal is to "make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser, or operating system." (That's not-technically-a-denial if I ever heard one.) But WSJ did point out Google's new app would have the same kind of turn-by-turn driving directions as Apple's new Maps app: "The turn-by-turn navigation feature didn't exist in the previous Apple-device version, partly because of various disagreements between the companies over other aspects of the Apple-controlled app."

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote a public apology for iOS 6 Maps in late September, acknowledging that Apple "fell short on this commitment" to make the best products for its customers. He suggested users try a number of alternatives available on the Web and the App Store, which we examined last month. If and when Google releases its own mapping app, we'll be sure to take a look at what's old, what's new, and what's different from Apple's own app.

The turn-by-turn navigation feature didn't exist in the previous Apple-device version, partly because of various disagreements between the companies over other aspects of the Apple-controlled app.

This is a killer. Google has serious potential to embarrass Apple even further, by showing they can do on iOS what was previously something unique to Apple maps!

Turn by turn was never a feature unique to Apple maps. Android and others have had it for ages, but even if you mean unique on iOS, there are third party mapping applications (Waze, etc.) that have had turn by turn for a long time.

The turn-by-turn navigation feature didn't exist in the previous Apple-device version, partly because of various disagreements between the companies over other aspects of the Apple-controlled app.

This is a killer. Google has serious potential to embarrass Apple even further, by showing they can do on iOS what was previously something unique to Apple maps!

Turn by turn was never a feature unique to Apple maps. Android and others have had it for ages, but even if you mean unique on iOS, there are third party mapping applications (Waze, etc.) that have had turn by turn for a long time.

Yup. In fact Google artificially kept their own turn-by-turn out of the Google/Apple co-designed original Maps app by not allowing Apple to use the API in the Maps App (which is their right, obviously). So Android had it for years until Apple finally said screw you guys and starting buying their own mapping companies. Now, only that they've dropped it, is Google bringing turn-by-turn to iOS.

What sucks is it'll probably work great and since so few are aware of the API limits google placed on Apple's maps app, they'll look like heroes and Apple will look like incompetent asshats.

Isn't this what Apple wanted in the first place? They kicked Google Maps off because Google hadn't updated their Maps app since it was released. Now that they're off iOS, Google's making a better mapping app. Sounds good to me.

Isn't this what Apple wanted in the first place? They kicked Google Maps off because Google hadn't updated their Maps app since it was released. Now that they're off iOS, Google's making a better mapping app. Sounds good to me.

You're wrong. Google never made a map app on iOS. The previous map app was developed by Apple, but using Google Maps' API which Apple licensed.

There's much to criticize about state of non-OS software development at Apple. No one expects perfection out of the box but Apple software routinely seems to release far short of the minimum level of testing and polish that one would expect from any software developer, let alone Apple. Apple Maps may be the most prominent example of release-before-its-ready but just take a look at the ridiculously buggy and performance-challenged Podcast app or how every new release of iTunes can be reliably avoided because it invariably has a bug that will wreck havoc. I am really looking forward to iTunes 11 but despite Apple's claim it's been delayed to improve it, I expect it will basically kill my iTunes library upon release, especially because I have Windows and iTunes for Windows is always much buggier than the Mac version. Even worse, it usually takes months before most of these serious bugs are fixed.

Nevertheless, although I would have preferred Apple to keep Google-powered Maps until its in-house app was ready for prime time, in the bigger picture, I think Apple made the right call to replace Google with its own app and this rumors, if true, demonstrates why. Google can no longer hold back voice turn-by-turn directions from iOS. This is the fruit of genuine competition from Apple Maps. I only hope Apple gets its own in-house software development in order and stop turning out crappy zero-point software and rely on its users loyalty and patience to live with the bugs until they get fixed. That strategy may be effective but it's a shameful way to treat your loyal customers.

Isn't this what Apple wanted in the first place? They kicked Google Maps off because Google hadn't updated their Maps app since it was released. Now that they're off iOS, Google's making a better mapping app. Sounds good to me.

No, the <iOS6 maps app was written by Apple, and used Google Maps data.

(c) No Navigation, Autonomous Vehicle Control, or Enterprise Applications. You must not use the Service or Content with any products, systems, or applications for or in connection with any of the following:

(i) real time navigation or route guidance, including but not limited to turn-by-turn route guidance that is synchronized to the position of a user's sensor-enabled device.

(ii) any systems or functions for automatic or autonomous control of vehicle behavior; or

Additionally, one has to wonder whether the move was further helped along by this. With 400 million or so iOS devices potentially out there that could get unsustainably expensive very quickly.

Isn't this what Apple wanted in the first place? They kicked Google Maps off because Google hadn't updated their Maps app since it was released. Now that they're off iOS, Google's making a better mapping app. Sounds good to me.

You're wrong. Google never made a map app on iOS. The previous map app was developed by Apple, but using Google Maps' API which Apple licensed.

Strictly speaking, he may be wrong - the old Maps app was Apple-developed and only drew on Google data - but his larger point is accurate. The reason the old Maps app didn't have voice turn-by-turn isn't because Apple refused to update the app to support it but because Google wouldn't give Apple the rights to use the needed APIs.

I've always wondered why Google wouldn't license their turn by turn navigation API to Apple. I guess I understand that Google wanted their maps to be unique to Android, or they wanted to stick it to Apple somehow, but that all seems very shortsighted to me. Apple has looked bad with their new Maps, but has that really hurt their sales or pushed a significant amount people to Android? It seems to me that since Google refused to license their APIs, they have lost licensing money from Apple, lost all the search data/advertising from maps in iOS6, and spent their own money developing an iOS6 maps app with the same exact features that Apple wanted in the first place. Had Google simply licensed their API, they would have gotten some money from Apple, saved development costs, and more importantly, retained all the maps search data and advertising from iOS6. To me, the current state is a losing scenario to everyone involved.

So iOS 5 users get free turn-by-turn navigation? Australia just got turn-by-turn enabled in iOS 6 too. This maps war is turning out great for consumers!

Yeah, that's what it looks like to me. Apple won when Google called their bluff.

Of course, that depends on the reasons that Apple wasn't able to convince Google to give iOS turn-by-turn navigation in its Maps app. If Google wanted a large licensing fee, well, Apple probably spent more than that on its own app. But if Google was withholding it as a competitive advantage for Android, then this is a victory for Apple (if true).

I barely use Maps because my only iDevice is a wifi-only iPad (my phone's an Android), but I actually prefer the way the Apple version works. Those vectors are so much faster, and I find the UI (for things like 'bookmarks') to be more intuitive. During the work week I use mass transit though, so liking how it works doesn't mean I actually use it.

The proof will be in the pudding, as they say. If it actually materializes I'll try it out against the Apple app (which I am liking and not having any issues with). Will be interesting to see how they compare.

I doubt that will happen, not because Apple wouldn't stoop that low, but because I'm sure Google would have talked to Apple before developing it. I'm assuming Apple still take calls from Google of course

Of course, that depends on the reasons that Apple wasn't able to convince Google to give iOS turn-by-turn navigation in its Maps app.

As quoted, Google doesn't allow anyone to do turn by turn with their data (except Google themselves, of course). It's not that Google wouldn't allow Apple to do turn by turn, it's that Google didn't grant Apple an exception to the restrictions that everyone else lives by.

It looks like Apple will end up putting the needs of its users above its own ego. Too bad they left everyone in a lurch in the mean time.

Agree. In the end they can try to compete with Google all they want, but in order to do so, you need to offer better and more. And this is something Apple never did with their own offerings in terms of maps.

I don´t think Apple will deny Google app on their store. They can´t afford to do it. Not sure if that would be even legal, if their users wants the app. Denying an app because its competition would surely ring some bells.

The original Google Maps app on the iPhone was indispensible for me since I work for a delivery service. Knowing where exact addresses are and the route to them was extremely important. At times people come up to ask where a certain address or city is and I always refer to my iPhone to give them the correct destination. I wished I never updated my iPhone 4 or else I would still have had that original Google App. Apple maps is absolutely worthless.

For me the Apple Maps app is much better than it was previously. I don't need public transport info, so this wasn't a negative for me.

For people that don't need public transport info, ie the majority... is Apple maps really that bad?? Even on my old iPhone4 the new maps are super fast now thanks to that sexy vector artwork. Also, I have seen only 1 fairly minor error. (a major Australian city).

I barely use Maps because my only iDevice is a wifi-only iPad (my phone's an Android), but I actually prefer the way the Apple version works. Those vectors are so much faster, and I find the UI (for things like 'bookmarks') to be more intuitive. During the work week I use mass transit though, so liking how it works doesn't mean I actually use it.

Android Maps uses vector for ages (2 yrs?), not sure it's Apple or Google that hold up its inclusion in iOS devices though.

As quoted, Google doesn't allow anyone to do turn by turn with their data (except Google themselves, of course). It's not that Google wouldn't allow Apple to do turn by turn, it's that Google didn't grant Apple an exception to the restrictions that everyone else lives by.

Ah, didn't realize the previous Maps app had been written by Apple rather than Google. Thanks.

This is good news for me. I am one of the people that didn't upgrade to iOS6 because of the maps issue. I am traveling a lot and spend a lot of time in Asia and the Apple map data is not even close in quality to Google over there. I have iOS6 on my iPad and will compare the two maps application from time to time to see the improvement on Apple's (there has been some already), but it still does not convince me.

And as long as I need to rely on a navigation software to direct the taxi driver from the airport to the hotel, I will stay with Google maps. If Apple refuses to take the Google map app into their store the may loose me as a customer, even though I am quite invested in the Apple ecosystem.